Ekurhuleni EMPD deputy chief faces external probe over corruption allegations

JOHANNESBURG - A report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has recommended the City of Ekurhuleni act against one of its top cops accused of fraud and corruption. 

Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, Deputy Chief of the metro police department (EPMD) is in hot water following allegations of extensive misuse and abuse of state resources.

This is contained in a confidential IPID report, which EWN has seen, suggesting Mkhwanazi be brought to book.

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During his first stint as acting chief of police in 2022, Mkhwanazi allegedly dished out blue lights to his friends unlawfully.

News24 previously reported that he also authorised the use of EMPD vehicles by CAT VIP Protection, a private security company owned by Tembisa hospital tender tycoon Vusimuzi Matlala.

EWN can now confirm that investigations conducted by Revo Spies, the deputy municipal police commissioner, found there was no memorandum of understanding (MOU) between CAT VIP and the EMPD.

IPID’s report, signed by its acting national head of investigations Thuso Keefelakae, has listed evidence uncovered during investigations.

“Evidence obtained indicates that four vehicles were registered as the City of Ekurhuleni vehicles between 18 and 24 January 2023, the same vehicles then changed ownership on the ENATIS from the City of Ekurhuleni fleet and were registered as CAT VIP vehicles in March 2023,” the report stated.

“When all these vehicles were registered as City of Ekurhuleni fleet, money from the City of Ekurhuleni was used to pay for the registration and licencing,” it added.

IPID has further found that Mkhwanazi, who at the time was acting as chief of police, forged a memorandum of understanding to enlist the private security firm.

“Based on the evidence collected, the state has a strong case against the suspect as he acted unlawfully with the full intent of corruption as CAT VIP unduly benefited as license fees of their vehicles were paid for by the city of Ekurhuleni,” the report stated.

“The suspect misrepresented himself and the EMPD. He presented a non-existent memorandum of understanding which was the basis of all fraudulent activities that took place.”

IPID subsequently recommended that disciplinary steps be taken against Mkhwanazi for the contravention of MP disciplinary procedure collective agreement, which states officials should conduct themselves with honesty and integrity.

IPID also referred the docket to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) for a decision.

However, insiders in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) were unable to find the docket in their records.

Earlier this year, Mkhwanazi was promoted to serve as EMPD’s Deputy Chief despite the fraud and corruption allegations against him.

The City of Ekurhuleni is also yet to take action against Mkhwanazi, despite the police watchdog recommending disciplinary action against him.

Asked about what the metro has done about Mkhwanazi’s allegations of fraud and corruption, city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said an external firm was roped in to conduct investigations.

“The city has just received a report from the external forensic firm that was doing the investigation on this matter..

“The report will be serving before the mayoral committee and council. Once those processes have been exhausted, we shall be able to address any query regarding this matter,” Dlamini added.

He said the report on Mkhwanazi’s conduct should be table in council next month, which will likely determine his future as one of EMPD’s top cops.

MKHWANAZI 'PROTECTED'

A well-placed source told EWN that Mkwanazi enjoyed the protection of political leaders in the city of Ekurhuleni.

The source further said they doubted any action would be taken against the fraud and corruption accused acting chief of police.

Mkhwanazi isn’t the only officials in hot water in the EMPD.

Two weeks ago, the city of Ekurhuleni suspended EMPD chief Isaac Mapiyeye following allegations of sexual misconduct.

It's understood more than two women in the department have come forth accusing him of sexual harassment

Mapiyeye was placed on precautionary leave after the council gave the city manager the green light to initiate an investigation against him.

An external firm has also been appointed to probe the sexual misconduct accusations.

The firm is expected to table its findings to the Ekurhuleni council before the end of November.